Cue Column | Note Column
| Cue | Notes |
|---|---|
| Acid nature | Diprotic strong acid: H2SO4 → 2 + . Reacts with 2 mol NaOH. |
| Dehydrating agent | Removes H2O from organic compounds. Chars sugar to carbon (C12H22O11 → 12C + 11H2O). Dehydrates formic acid: HCOOH → CO + H2O. |
| Oxidizing agent | Only hot, concentrated H2SO4 acts as oxidant. Cu + 2H2SO4(hot,conc.) → CuSO4 + SO2↑ + 2H2O. S + 2H2SO4(hot,conc.) → 3SO2 + 2H2O. Does NOT react with cold dilute metals like Cu. |
| Sulfonating agent | Introduces -SO3H group into organic molecules. Used in detergent and dye manufacture. |
| Non-oxidizing (dilute) | Dilute H2SO4 reacts with metals above H in activity series (Zn, Fe) to give H2. Does NOT oxidize them. |
| Safety | Always add acid to water, never water to acid. Highly exothermic dissolution. |
| Industrial importance | Most produced industrial chemical. Used in fertilizers (superphosphate), explosives, textiles. |
Summary: H2SO4 is diprotic acid + dehydrating agent + oxidizing agent (hot, conc.) + sulfonating agent. Remember the four key properties for NEET.